Exploring the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion in the Relationship Between Resilience and Psychological Well-Being in Cancer Patients

Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between resilience and psychological well-being, particularly considering self-compassion as a mediating factor. Methods and Materials: This study involved 221 patients undergoing chemotherapy for various cancers at public hospitals in Tehran. Inclusion criteria required participants to be adults diagnosed with cancer, currently receiving chemotherapy, and willing to participate. This population is relevant as they face significant psychological challenges during treatment. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing resilience, self-compassion, and psychological well-being. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the data with AMOS software, allowing for the assessment of relationships among the variables. Prior to participation, informed consent was obtained, and ethical considerations were strictly followed, ensuring participant confidentiality and data security. The methodology emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-compassion in understanding and improving psychological well-being in cancer patients. Findings: The analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between resilience and both self-compassion (r =0.591, p <0.01) and psychological well-being (r=0.499, p<0.01). Self-compassion positively influenced psychological well-being (β=0.31, t = 3.043) and mediated the relationship between resilience and psychological well-being (indirect effect: β = 0.19, t=2.609). The structural equation model explained 42% of the variance in psychological well-being and 36% in self-compassion, indicating a robust model fit. Conclusion: The study concludes that resilience positively influences the psychological well-being of cancer patients by fostering self-compassion. These findings highlight the importance of integrating resilience-building strategies into cancer care to enhance patients' mental health. However, limitations include the homogeneity of the sample from public hospitals in Tehran and reliance on self-reported measures, suggesting the need for further research.